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This week sees some top action in the League, but it is the Carling Cup Final which will take many of the headlines. Tottenham’s drubbing of Arsenal in the semi-final showed their quality and also the damage they could do to Chelsea on Sunday. Chelsea on the other hand have performed well without their best players this season and are proving extremely hard to beat.

Saturday 23 FebruaryBirmingham City v Arsenal
Birmingham City will be a team looking to edge away from the relegation zone when they face league leaders Arsenal this weekend. City are only out of the bottom three thanks to a better goal difference than eighteenth-placed Reading. However, Alex McLeish’s side must rack up a couple of wins and quickly if they are to stay in the Premier League. Although it will be a tough task to beat a quality team such as Arsenal, Birmingham have proved their battling spirit remains one of their best attributes, a reason why they haven’t been thrashed by other teams this season. If they go into the game with a positive frame of mind, City could get a point, as Arsenal could be shattered after a couple of tough cup games.

Wenger’s side’s lack of confidence showed in their stalemate against European Champions AC Milan. They had a few good chances especially towards the end of the game, but just couldn’t put them away. Prior to that game, they were thrashed 4-0 by Manchester United in the FA Cup, perhaps a reason why they were so cautious during the Champions League tie. But now is not the time to show caution as Arsenal embark on a very important month of their season. They will have to beat Milan (or get a score draw) at the San Siro in order to stay in the Champions League, and the next few games in the Premiership will prove pivotal to Arsenal’s chances of reclaiming the title.

With Arsenal five points clear at the top of the league and Birmingham struggling at the other end of the table, the outcome of this game is perhaps quite a predictable one. I’m pretty sure Arsenal will win this game, however I am also confident Birmingham will make it tough for the Gunners. Birmingham really set their stall out for the big games and are quite hard to beat under such circumstances. Arsenal will be very tired after playing United and Milan within the space of a few days.

Blackburn’s chances of finishing in the top four and hence qualifying for the Champions League are now very slim, but they are only five points off a Uefa Cup spot. Rovers have hardly been mentioned recently, thanks to no more speculation regarding Mark Hughes future. However, I think they are capable of quietly making it into the top six. This will require a string of good performances from the club, but I wouldn’t put it beyond them.

Gary Megson’s Bolton put in a battling display to see off Atletico Madrid in the Uefa Cup and therefore reach the last 16 of the competition. European glory is Bolton’s only chance to shine in such a terrible season and their aggressive style of play adapts them well for this competition. It also gives the team a breather from the relegation pressures of the Premiership. In fact, I think if Bolton can keep up their high level of performance in the Uefa Cup, this will boost their confidence for the Premier League ties, which gives Bolton a psychological advantage over the likes of Reading, Fulham and the rest.

The old local derby is back and this is always a fiercely contested game between two fairly aggressive sides. Expect the tackles to be flying in everywhere and perhaps a sending off or two! I think Blackburn have the edge, seeing as many of Bolton’s players will be tired after a difficult tie against Atletico.

Fulham are only three points away from safety and with a host of new signings made in last month’s transfer window, it finally seems as if they have a chance of staying up. Though the likes of Litmanen are old-proven heroes, their experience will surely help Fulham fight for survival. The Cottagers’ away form has been absolutely woeful; therefore this home game against West Ham will suit them perfectly.

Like Blackburn, West Ham are another side not far of a Uefa Cup spot. The Hammers are seven points adrift of sixth spot and have a game in hand over many of their rivals. West Ham have thoroughly impressed this campaign, beating the likes of Liverpool to maintain a top ten spot, despite many of their best players being injured for different parts of the season. And it is injury again which rules out Craig Bellamy for the next six weeks, meaning West Ham will have to keep going without arguably one of their best players. Nevertheless, the Hammers have done without Bellamy for much of the season and have other attacking options available for this game and the rest of the season, as they push for that vital sixth spot.

Fulham are really in for a tough time for the remainder of the season and though they have signed some experienced players, it seems as if they have left it just that touch too late to spark a survival spree. West Ham themselves will have a few more tough tests, which if they can get past, should see them in the top six come the end of the season.

What a funny old week it has been for Liverpool. Once again, we saw the Reds rise to the occasion against Inter Milan, beating the Italian Champions 2-0, resulting in Inter’s first defeat in FIVE months! Surely that win will give Liverpool the impetus to go on and finish fourth in the Premier League. I think so long as the media give Rafa Benitez a break from all the hype surrounding his job, Liverpool will be in with a great chance of winning the European Cup as well as finishing fourth.

Boro seem to be safe from relegation now, lying in 12th place, 7 points above the relegation zone. And what a revival that is too. Three months ago, Southgate’s side were tipped to go down after suffering an unacceptable run of form. Now though, they are still in the FA Cup and the signing of Afonso Alves means they have a great goalscorer on their hands. This should provide them with a good chance of securing a reasonable mid-table finish this year.

Liverpool should be full of confidence after their midweek victory and probably they will give Boro a real thrashing this weekend, just to show that they are the real deal. However, Southgate’s side will make it hard for the Reds and after such poor home form, Boro could leave with something from Anfield. But I think Liverpool are a great side and have a lot to prove over the next month or so.

One team who are in real danger of being sucked into that relegation dogfight down at the bottom is Newcastle. Keegan’s return to the club hasn’t sparked the sort of revival we were hoping for and they now really need to find a win quickly just to restore a bit of faith in the team. A home game against Champions Man Utd won’t exactly help the situation, but a good performance and slender defeat will be OK.

United are in a funny old situation. They thrashed leaders Arsenal in the FA Cup, which all but proved they are the best team in England at the moment. However, they must now use that morale-boosting win to reclaim top spot. That will be a difficult task, seeing as the Red Devils are five points off the pace. But, if anyone is to pip Arsenal to the league title, it is United.

Newcastle are struggling and haven’t been able to win recently, whereas United are in fairly good form, though their European stalemate against Lyon was quite disappointing. However, with the likes of Ronaldo, Rooney and Tevez, they should have enough quality to beat Newcastle.

Prediction: 0-2

Portsmouth v Sunderland

We will see a very strong Portsmouth side for the rest of the season now, thanks to some great new signings and the return of all the African players. And it is now when Portsmouth will have to shine, if they are to at least finish in a Uefa Cup spot this season. Redknapp’s side are currently three points away from fifth, sixth and seventh spot so will be pushing for those spots until the end of the season. They have signed Milan Baros and Jermain Defoe, which should give them enough attacking options to win games and comfortably. I think Portsmouth look good at the moment and with the FA Cup to go for as well, who knows, Portsmouth could add some silverware to their trophy cabinet this season. It’s the least they deserve.

Sunderland’s staggering home form is going to keep them in the Premiership this season. They have done exceptionally well at home and have collected all three points in games where we would expect them to draw or lose. The Black Cats always had enough bite about them to stay up and though they are only four points above the drop zone, they can afford to lose some away games, so long as they keep up their good performances in front of their own crowd.

Portsmouth have been rubbish at home this season, whereas Sunderland have been quite poor away, This should therefore be an interesting game. I think Portsmouth are really strong and have a good attacking squad and though I expect Sunderland to make it tough for Redknapp’s men, I’m sure Pompey will grab a win.

Prediction: 2-1

Reading v Aston Villa

The Royals slipped into the relegation zone after a run of straight defeats and they are now in deep trouble. Reading’s main strength earlier in the season was that they could score goals. Now that the goals seem to have dried up, they are struggling. In fact, I think they have got away with it lightly as recently they have only been losing by a slender margin, when they have deserved to be thrashed. All this adds up to a lack of confidence and low-morale. Steve Coppell will have to get his men in the right frame of mind for the remainder of the campaign.

Villa are only three points adrift of a Champions League spot and after such brilliance this season, I think they deserve it. They are strong going forward with Carew, Young and Agbonlahor providing real pace. Laursen and Mellberg at the back have kept them solid and hard to beat. Their midfield is also reasonably secure, especially with Gareth Barry playing exceptionally well. It would be hard on Villa if they didn’t finish in the top six this season.

Reading are at home and their only chance of survival is by winning games at the Madejski. But Villa have shown they have what it takes to punish teams this season and if Reading put in another terrible display, they can expect to lose this game by a large margin.

Prediction: 1-3

Wigan Athletic v Derby County

Wigan have it all to go for now, standing one point away from the drop zone. They need to win three more games before the end of the season to realistically stay safe. And with Derby up next, they should be reasonably confident. If Wigan fail to beat Derby this weekend, they deserve to go down!

Derby are playing for pride now and that’s why they are making it difficult for other sides to beat them. No doubt they will make it difficult for Wigan too but Derby have only won one game this season, and I can’t see them winning here.

Wigan must win here if they are to stand a chance of surviving. Derby aren’t even playing for survival now, so the Latics have an excellent chance of winning this game.
Prediction: 2-1

Monday 25 February

Manchester City v Everton

Manchester City are only three points away from Everton and therefore only a win away from a Champions League spot. City seemed to have gone a bit dry recently, but a win against Manchester United in the Premiership last time out shows they are quite a good side. And with Benjani now in the side, they have a good striker who will be able to finish off any attack-minded opportunities City have. I don’t think Man City will finish in the top six, due to the quality of Villa, Liverpool and Everton, but I expect them still to push for that spot for the rest of the season.

Everton’s heavy European win will give their forward men lots of confidence for the rest of the season. Though they weren’t playing a very good side, it puts them in the right frame of mind to finish fourth this season. But if Everton lose this game, they could drop out of the top four.

This game looks likely to end in a draw, given both sides’ late good form. A draw would also suit Liverpool amongst others, however I’m sure both managers would take a draw before and after the game.

Prediction: 1-1

CARLING CUP FINAL
Sunday 24 February
Chelsea v Tottenham Hotspur

Chelsea have been very good in the Carling Cup over past years and this a chance for Avram Grant to win his first trophy at the club. Don’t forget, Chelsea are still well and truly up for the quadruple. They may rest Terry and Lampard, but over the last month they have proved they have got quality enough in their squad to cope well without these players. Still, if one of the two players does play, Chelsea will be very strong. Michael Ballack is in good shape and with Drogba and Anelka set to start up front, who can put their money against the Blues to win?

Spurs’ revival under Ramos continues, and their midweek victory aggregate in the Uefa Cup will give them further confidence ahead of this game, although their performance against Slavia Prague was uninspiring. The semi-final win over Arsenal was a real morale-booster and showed exactly how good Spurs can be. They have an exceptional forward line and with Woodgate and Hutton at the back, they should be quite solid and soak up any Chelsea pressure. Spurs have as good a chance as ever to gain some glory.

I honestly think Tottenham will push Chelsea all the way. When Spurs are at their best they really do perform. Chelsea have a top class side and are expected to win. Due to this, I think this game will go to extra time, though Chelsea will win eventually. Expect goals and a quality game!